MALAYSIANS from all walks of life — including trade unions, NGOs, civil society organisations, mosques, suraus and individuals — are being urged to show their solidarity with the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), a humanitarian convoy currently en route to Gaza.
Writer and activist Zainal Rashid Ahmad, who is participating in the mission, called on the public to rally behind the effort as it nears critical stages of its voyage.
He highlighted growing support from international groups, including the Italian Port Workers’ Union (USB), which plans a mass protest on 22 September in Genoa in defence of the flotilla.
“USB, with over 60,000 members, has pledged to shut down the port if there is any interference with or action taken against the convoy, which comprises more than 40 vessels representing 45 countries,” Zainal said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
He added that the GSF is expected to be just days away from the coast of Gaza on that date, which coincides with a significant vote related to the formation of a free Palestinian state.
“USB has called on trade unions across Europe to declare 22 September a day of solidarity. Likewise, all parties in Malaysia are urged to join in — by posting messages of support on digital platforms, through the media, or in any other relevant way,” he said.
Zainal, known by the initials ZRA, is among the more than 800 human rights defenders, doctors and humanitarian volunteers from 45 countries taking part in the convoy — a renewed international effort to break the Israeli blockade and deliver aid directly to the people of Gaza.
“The call is part of a collective push for justice for Gaza and the Palestinian cause,” he added. “We hope Malaysians will also support the efforts of USB and their trade union allies in Europe to ensure the safe passage of the flotilla.”
The GSF mission follows in the footsteps of previous international convoys seeking to deliver aid to Gaza, despite the persistent risk of obstruction or attack by Israeli naval forces. - September 17, 2025
